FabricNFiberFanatic

Website...

2009-12-23T18:28:00.004-05:00

Please visit my website:

http://www.fabricnfiberfanatic.wordpress.com/

Sew and Tell

2009-11-06T10:26:00.006-05:00

Among the Gum Trees

2009-09-15T17:46:00.002-05:00

Book Club...

2009-09-14T15:48:00.002-05:00

Summer of Socks...

2009-06-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

Looking for me...

2009-06-20T12:13:00.001-05:00

Well, I've moved my blog over to:

http://fabricnfiberfanatic.com

Come visit me there...

Ten on Tuesday...

2009-04-28T13:53:00.004-05:00

'10 Words People Would Use to Describe You'

1) Mother

2) Daughter

3) Friend

4) Compassionate

5) Loving

6) Cheerful

7) Accepting

8) Talented

9) Grateful

10) Bitch

You can play here!

May Day Giveaway...

2009-04-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the New England Bloggers May Day Giveaways!

A group of New England Bloggers will be hosting a giveaway from April 27th until May 1st. Each of us will be offering a gift to one blogger. The winner will be announced on May 1st on each of the individual blogs.

To enter my giveaway - please leave a comment on this post and include an e-mail address so I know how to contact you in case you win.

This will be my giveaway:

A hand knit wash cloth that I myself knit and a bar of Lilac Goat Milk Soap made by a local farm called Angel Ridge Farm.

Please visit the rest of the New England bloggers listed below at their blog...Look for the May Day Giveaway Logo...and have a good time...

http://cmscanlon.blogspot.com/ Catherine in Maine

http://www.basia-spiritspace.blogspot.com/ Barbara in MA

http://thebookkitten.blogspot.com/ Kitten in CT

http://lifeasitis22.blogspot.com/ Tara In MA

http://livinglocalnh.blogspot.com/ Virginia in NH

http://lovingmom2boys.blogspot.com/ Liz in RI

http://suelovescherries.blogspot.com/ Sue in MA

http://pennysartroomblog.blogspot.com/ Penny in ME

http://pennywisepeople.blogspot.com/ Colleen in NH

http://raiseyourhandif.blogspot.com/ Carol in MA

http://fromichelle.blogspot.com/ Michelle

http://ebogie.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth in MA

My Corner of the World...

2009-04-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Remember I went on a Knitting Retreat a few weeks back...Thought I'd share some photos with you -

Dianne figuring out what she wants to start knitting and Pat working with a ball winder to get a skein ready for knitting...

Let's see if I can remember - l to r - Pat knitting, Sue, Sue, and Maureen with spinning wheels and another gal (whose name I can't remember) knitting.

Our very own Massage Therapist - she was there just for all of us. Think most of us got a half hour massage - there might have been a couple who opted for the hour massage. Her rates were really good - and we even had a real massage room (It is part of the Inn).

Terri and I knitting away in the sun room.

More knitting going on - and I can't remember these gals names. But, check out the felted bag that is on the floor between them. It is gorgeous!

Sue and Maureen working away on their spinning wheels!

Talking and knitting on the great sun porch. L to R Terri, a mother and daughter team (whose names escape me) and Sylvia.

Sue and Jeannette getting dinner ready!!!!

Our Sunday group photo...several of the women came from the other side of the state...and we had a wonderful time getting to know each other. Our room had five beds and all of us from our particular knitting shop stayed in that room. Each group was sort of set up that way!

Before leaving we exchanged addresses...and made plans for next Spring!

A New Skill...

2009-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

A cathedral windows quilt has been on my list for ages. So, one of my friends and fellow guild members, Ellen, decided to teach us this last Wednesday night. Earlier in the year she gave me the amounts needed for a twin size quilt...so off I went to the fabric store. Ended up buying a bleached muslin - not the beige colored - but white. 33 yards of white bleached muslin!

The above is the beginning of my first 4-square block. First of all, I created the little pillows (as they are called) - then sewed two together. Since we were only there for two-and-a-half hours she showed us how to to insert our first little window. I will now sew the four blocks together and add more windows. All of my windows will be batiks!

It is all hand sewing - and I LOVE it! It is so relaxing! Am looking forward to having this as my carry around project until it is finished. No rush...just an enjoyable project.

Friday Fill-In #121...

2009-04-24T05:26:00.000-05:00

1. Apparently there's some sort of conspiracy against Spring arriving here in Claremont. Still no blooms around.

2. Tomorrow is supposed to be a sunny day. I think it is going to happen because the sun just came out...and it's supposed to stay that way all the way through Sunday.

3. 2009 has been both good and hard so far.

4. People who lie to me soon find that was it. I don't put up with that at all.

5. For too long I've been resting way too much and not getting out and walking. And, I don't understand why because walking makes me feel really good.

6. I am not obsessed with reading; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to attending the opening night of my favorite local ice cream shop for dinner and ice cream (of course), tomorrow my plans include hanging around the house and relaxing and Sunday, I want to attend a special workshop after church!

You can play here!!!!

Mail Call...

2009-04-23T14:19:00.005-05:00

This week has been a great mail week for me...Some things I was expecting (because of a couple of contests that I won) - but, then one of them was a complete surprise...

My friend, Julie, has the sweetest grandbaby named Clover. Samantha is Clover's mom and she is a sweetheart. Anyway, to make a long story short - I've been friends with Julie since before Clover was born and now keep up with her through Julie's blog.

Yesterday's mail brought this adorable card from Clover! Melted my heart! I was so - words are failing me - thrilled to get this little work of art and to think that she remembered me... and that doesn't say what I am feeling exactly). It was most special!!! She made my day! Thank you, Clover! I hope your Earth Day was great!

Then my buddy, Amanda over at Busy Little Quilter sent me this wonderful package. I won a contest over at her blog! Look at the goodies: Moda's Flag Day Farm Charm Pack and an adorable pattern for a table runner. I really like this pattern - mainly because it is so different. Thank you, Amanda!!!

Knowing that I hang out at reading blogs should not come as a surprise to anyone! Well, Lee McKenzie, who writes for Harlequin American Romance was having a little tea party a while back. I entered and lo and behold, I won one of her prizes...A great mug - it's really contemporary looking! And, some of my most favorite tea...from Murchies. This one is Murchie's Afternoon Blend. I learned about them when I was in Vancouver, British Columbia while having Afternoon Tea at the Empress. (Do check out the links - they are awesome!) Thank you, Lee!!!

For sure it was a wonderful week with great mail. It's always nice to get mail - that aren't bills or advertisements!

Earth Day...

2009-04-22T12:49:00.002-05:00

At my house Earth Day is everyday...mainly because recycling, avoiding using extra water, using natural light, and doing other things that help our planet are habits now.

But, I am doing something special...am taking a class tonight on making a cathedral windows quilt. I will not be BUYING anything for this quilt - but, using up fabrics that I already own. This is my way of reducing the fabric in my home and turning that fabric into something beautiful!

Hope everyone has a great Earth Day!!!!

Twitter Be Gone...

2009-04-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Since I don't go to movies very often - the Ten on Tuesday really doesn't work for me - so, I thought I would share my views about Twitter...

Several of my friends have asked me to join up - so, thinking it might be something interesting I have been "tweeting" for a week now...and I hate it!

It makes no sense to me...and there are people who tell you every hour what they are doing - please...

Personally, I would rather you take the time you are "tweeting" and put that time into writing a blog entry that has some meat to it...or send me a card or letter. Any of those things would be so much better than Twitter...

Done that...not doing it again.

So Twitter Be Gone!!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook...April 20, 2009

2009-04-20T12:07:00.007-05:00

FOR TODAY ... April 20, 2009

Outside my window... it is dusty...the sun is trying to come out from some grayish clouds ...(or maybe that's just dust clouds).

I am thinking... about the demo (small class) that I am giving tonight at my quilt guild. It is such fun to share with them.

I am thankful for... the blessing of health that I have. Even though my allergies have been bothering me a lot lately...I am still healthy..

From the learning rooms... learning how to say "no" to things that I really don't feel like I want to do...or that no longer hold an interest.

From the kitchen... this week's menu

Tonight: light dinner out on the way to quilt guild.
Tuesday: Chef's salad
Wednesday: Pork chops, potatoes au gratin, and corn
Thursday: Liver and Onions, some type of veggie, and rice
Friday: Dinner out at Scoop City!
Saturday: Stuffed Pepper Casserole (make an extra for Sunday's pot luck at church)

I am wearing... light lavender sweat suit and beige socks

I am creating... a new pair of socks

I am going... to learn how to applique this week. The challenge quilt I am working on has some applique. I've done a little before - but this is a new way that someone showed me and it is worth a try...especially with circles!

I am reading... 1st to Die by James Patterson. It is the first of a series. One of the things I tend to do is not read a series unless I have all the books! Finally got the first 7 - and now the 8th one will be out in a few weeks!

I am hoping... that spring will soon appear here. My friends in Massachusetts have lovely flowers blooming already and we still have nothing. It is amazing what a few hours north can have on when spring arrives.

I am hearing... the sounds of heavy machinery outside as they are tearing up the road and re-doing it. The noise is pretty loud and it shakes my building.

Around the house... the windows are closed because of all the dust the heavy machines are throwing around. I miss not having them open but don't want to have to redo my Spring Cleaning.

One of my favorite things... was this awesome banana bread with raspberries that I made this week. It is so good. (One of my quilting friends has been making it with blueberries and bringing it to guild)...well, I accidentally opened frozen raspberries instead of blueberries. So, I used them and it turned out so good.

A few plans for the rest of the week: set up my new bed; wash the living room window where a certain little cat has put a zillion nose prints; and clear off my desk.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is the banana-raspberry bread I made the other night just coming out of the oven. Was having dinner with friends...so my table was all dressed up...

You can read other Daybooks or participate here.

Bloggers Quilt Festival...

2009-04-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

Amy over at ParkCityGirl is sponsoring the First Annual Bloggers Quilt Festival. We are to pick our favorite quilt and tell the story behind it...

I have chosen this one...

Most of you will recognize it as the quilt I made for my daughter this past Christmas. It is a king size quilt.

There are 1,226 pieces in this quilt. 449 of them are the muslin pieces. 777 of them are either 2-1/2 inch square or 4-1/2" squares of totally different fabric. None of the colored fabrices in this quilt or on the label or in the binding are the same.

I wanted my daughter to have a quilt that I had made her...and I wanted it to look old-fashioned. Hence the muslin and the muslin backing.

This quilt was the most fun to work on - I loved playing with the colors and just picking pieces of fabric out from a paper lunch sack. My daughter loves this quilt - and has had so many compliments on it...and I loved making it for her.

52 Books in 52 Weeks...

2009-04-18T12:09:00.020-05:00

Like a lot of you - I belong to Ravelry...and in January they started a 52 Books in 52 Weeks group. Since I have been doing a lot of reading this year - thought the challenge would be good for me...Didn't want to mention it - in case the results didn't look promising... Thought you might like to see how it is going.

Bold denotes books I own…others borrowed from library.

January

1) The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook - Ina Garten
2) Estefan Kitchen - Emilio and Gloria Estefan
3) Remember My Touch (Harlequin Intrigue 469) - Gayle Wilson
4) Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama’s Plan to Renew America’s Promise - Obama for America
5) Michelle Obama: Meet The First Lady by David Bergen Brophy

February:

1) Judas Kiss by J. T. Ellison
2) Portsmouth: Photographs by Nancy Grace Horton; Text by Laura Pope
3) Chance of A Lifetime by Barbara Kaye (Harlequin Superromance 449)
4) Flashback by Justine Davis (Silhouette Bombshell 86)

March

1) The Mommy Bride by Shelley Galloway (Harlequin American Romance 1212)
2) The Jim and Dan Stories: A Journey of Grief and Faith by Colleen Redman
3) Muses Like Moonlight: A Closet Poet Comes Out by Colleen Redman
4) Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton
5) Double Minds by Terri Blackstock
6) Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter

April

1) Today’s Kitchen Cookbook by the Today Show Cast
2) Tempest in Eden by Sandra Brown
3) All The Pretty Girls by J. T. Ellison
4) The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
5) Pint Size Traditions II by Lynette Jensen
6) Knit Two by Kate Jacobs
7) 1st to Die by James Patterson
8) 2nd Chance by James Patterson w/Andrew Gross
9) 3rd Degree by James Patterson w/Andrew Gross

May

1) 4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
2) 5th Horseman by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
3) The Sixth Target by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
4) 7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
8) Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox
9) The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
10) Why Cats Do That: A Collection of Curious Kitty Quirks by Karen Anderson
11) Winter Games by John Cacombe
12) A Doctor's Secret by Marie Ferrarella

June

1) 14 by J. T. Ellison
2) Mortal Remains by Henry Scammell
3) Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
4) Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities by Elizabeth Edwards
5) The Thomas Berryman Number by James Patterson
6) Season of the Machette by James Patterson

July

1) See How They Run by James Patterson
2) Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Micheal J. Fox
3) Hush Little Darlings by Judith Kelman
4) The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
5) Black Friday by James Patterson
6) The Midnight Club by James Patterson
7) Hide and Seek by James Patterson
8) When the Wind Blows by James Patterson

August

1) Cradle and All by James Patterson
2) Might As Well Laugh About it Now by Marie Osmond with Marcia Wilkie
3) A Lion Called Christian by Anthony Bourke and John Rendall
4) Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson and Peter deJonge
5) The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter deJonge
6) Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson
7) The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
8) Too Late to Say Goodbye by Ann Rule

September

1) The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
2) The Lake House by James Patterson
3) Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson
4) 13 Bullets by David Wellington

October

1) The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
2) 99 Coffins by David Wellington
3) Vampire Zero by David Wellington
4) 23 Hours by David Wellington
5) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
6) The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
7) Diner's Drive-Ins, and Dives: An All-American Road Trip by Guy Fieri with Ann Volkwein

November
1) The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
3) Bad Blood: Freedon and Death in the White Mountains by Casey Sherman
4) Laced with Magic by Barbara Bretton

December
1) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2) Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan
3) Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel by Kate Jacobs
4) Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
5) Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
6) Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris
7) An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris

Friday Fill-Ins...#120...

2009-04-17T13:57:00.003-05:00

1. Join me in learning how to live a more fun and simplier life.

2. Put a little fun and good food in your day!

3. Happiness is feeling loved - especially loving yourself.

4. Dazed and confused. (Wasn't that a movie!)

5. I'm waiting for the mailman to bring me a notice that I am going to get a rebate check from Uncle Sam. My neighbor got one.

6. A good book is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to have Scarlett and Elizabeth over for dinner, tomorrow my plans include sewing on my quilt top and putting on a border for Elizabeth's quilt and Sunday, I want to go to church at the new church I found!

You can play here!

A Finished Object...

2009-04-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Don't faint! Scarlett's socks are finally finished! These have been on needles for quite a while - can you believe almost a year (actual start date: June 21, 2008)??? But, they are done - beautiful and soft.

Yarn: Universal Yarn Inc. - Pace

Color: Bark 13 - Lot 6/1104

75% Super Wash Wool/25% Polyamide

Needles - US 3

Ten on Tuesday on Wednesday...

2009-04-15T16:01:00.004-05:00

Ten Signs that You are Getting Older

1) You have to rest in between doing housework...like running the vacuum, taking the garbage out.

2) Somehow there are more medications to take.

3) Get forgetful - can't remember things like birthdays, doctor appointments, even fun things.

4) You listen to the Oldies station because you know all the words to those songs and you don't understand the "new" music.

5) You don't do malls anymore because you can't stand the crowds.

6) All of your friends children have children of their own and they are teen-agers already.

7) You enjoy a mid-day nap

8) You are not afraid to speak your mind and you do!

9) You don't deal with "drama queens" anymore!

10) A night out means popcorn and a good movie on the DVD - not the "hot nightclub" you used to hang out when you were 21.

Tuesday...

2009-04-14T18:36:00.003-05:00

Today was an extremely busy day...

Finished all the sorting of boxes and things...now all that is left to do is vacuum and sweep and mop the bathroom and kitchen floors.

Dropped off a bunch of writing books at the local new/used book store...and picked up a couple books - one by James Patterson and another by David Best - an author that I never heard of before.

It has been difficult going through some of mother's things - like jewelry. Did find some cute little embroidered handkerchiefs that she used to love - so, I've decided to wash and iron them - then frame them for my sister, daughter, and self.

To tell you how hectic things have been - I totally forgot my sister's birthday - it was Saturday and we even talked to each other that day. It's hell getting old!

Edited by Sara:

Mother is just fine - she is happy and well at the nursing home...I didn't realize this sounded as if she might not be - thanks, Janet, for sort of pointing that out.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: April 13, 2009

2009-04-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

For Today: April 13, 2009

Outside my window... the weather is trying to make up its mind as to whether remain winter or allow spring to come on down!

I am thinking... how fortunate I am to have so many friends that care about me. A lot of people don't have that.

I am thankful for... the interests I have that keep me going and keep me feeling alive!

From the kitchen...

Monday night - Dinner out on the way to quilting - maybe BBQ (been trying to get there for three weeks now).

Tuesday: Liver and Onions, baked potato, and corn

Wednesday: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Thursday: Ham Steak, sweet potatoes, asparagus

Friday: Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato sandwich, homemade french fries

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Salad

I am wearing... jeans, dog tee-shirt, and no shoes or socks.

I am creating... a project for a giveaway...

I am going... to my quilt guild meeting tonight. It is always such fun to be with people that I like. It is a small guild and we really care about each other.

I am reading... The Friday Night Knitting Club: Knit Two by Kate Jacobs

I am hoping... for spring to arrive full blast. This winter has been a long hard one...and I am ready to see some of the earth's beauty popping up.

I am hearing... Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits in the background. It's wonderful to be able to listen to music that you know all the words to. Guess that's why my cd collection is mostly Oldies and Country. But, not the new country - I don't care for some of the young girls that are performing now.

Around the house... it is still spring cleaning. And, organizing - I just want to be able to put my hands on things when I want them...

One of my favorite things... is cuddling with a book on a gloomy day. Almost spent yesterday reading - but, I was good and did other things.

A few plans for the rest of the week: finishing up my spring cleaning; having Scarlett and Elizabeth over for dinner on Friday night (they like BLT's and the thought of homemade french fries was the kicker!); knit and quilt.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Aren't they adorable? I was taking a photo of the two alpacas when the one by the door stuck his head out to see what was happening. It was just too cute. I really have grown fond of alpacas.

You can read other Daybooks or Join us here!

Happy Easter...

2009-04-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Courtesy of www.capemaytimes.com

Hope you have a wonderful Easter!

Happy Spring!

Sara and Killian

Yarny goodness...

2009-04-11T12:32:00.003-05:00

Last weekend was spent at a knitting and spinning retreat. (More about that in the next few days). It was a wonderful three days with people who knew what you were talking about when you mentioned that you dropped a stitch - or that your spinning wheel was acting funny.

Of course, there was the trip into Sue's store, HodgePodge Yarns. I have been on a very strict yarn diet this year and using up my yarn stash. My rules were that I could buy some yarn if it was at a retreat, Sheep and Wool Festival, and on vacation.

So, I bought this:
The yarn is Linares. Made in Chile. It is the most beautiful subtle shades of the ocean that I've ever seen. Soft, soft! 55% cotton and 45% Viscose and 229 yards per skein. The color is 505 and the Dye lot 30120101 (in case you are interested)

And, this is what is going to be made from it:

From the current (May 2009) issue of Creative Knitting (page 51). It's all about LACE, too.

I don't talk about knitting magazines very often but I have to say this has been the best knitting magazine that I have ever subscribed to. There are always four or five things in each issue that I want to make. Glad it doesn't expire until May 2010!

Friday Fill-Ins #119...

2009-04-10T15:09:00.003-05:00

1. Anonymous...should not be so rude when playing a game someone else made up.

2. YouTube is a great source of enjoyment for me.

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, heartbreak.

4. Lilacs and all the other flowers are what I look forward to most about Spring.

5. Who needs therapy when one can knit or crochet. There was something on the news about how knitting and crocheting reduce stress!!!

6. Black jelly beans MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to fixing a really good chef's salad with ham, black olives, lettuce, broccoli, and blue cheese dressing, tomorrow my plans include staying home and relaxing and Sunday, I want to go to this new church that is similar to the one I attended in Tampa!

Still Spring Cleaning...

2009-04-09T12:37:00.003-05:00

What can I say - the Spring Cleaning bug has really got hold of me.

My kitchen cabinets look wonderful. Everything is arranged so neatly! Breakfast items, hot drinks, baking items, pastas, potatoes, and rices have an entire shelf! Veggies and fruits have their own shelves!!! It is so nice to be able to find what I am looking for right away.

Last night's dinner was salmon and mac and cheese! The salmon was so good!!!

Today, it is the living room's turn - need to answer some mail and get my desk cleared off. Then the living room is done.

My bedroom is next - and then mother's room!

Thought I would leave you with a nice photo of my babies (who live with Mommy Scarlett) -

Isis Dreamweaver and Zac (short for Proz*c)

Oh, and did anyone watch Crim*inal M*nds last night?

I'm in a mood...

2009-04-08T12:29:00.004-05:00

I have no idea what is going on - but, I actually woke up thinking today would be a good day to rearrange the pantry...

Yep, that's what I'm doing! Had no idea there were at least eight Mac and Cheeses in there! I may not be seeing that on the grocery list for quite a while...

So, thought I would take a five minute break and tell you how proud I am of myself. Yes, I am.

Last night for dinner I fixed lamb chops for the very first time. My neighbor gave me four beautiful lamb chops - and they could not be re-frozen - so, all of them were baked with a little salt, pepper and 8 cloves of garlic. My house smelled marvelous! Since they were quite big - I shared two with Scarlett and Elizabeth and one with Pat, my knitting buddy, who had a bad day at work and didn't need to go home and cook.

They were very good - tender and tasty! Enjoyed my meal and I will fix them again!

Now it's back to the pantry!!! Isn't Spring Cleaning FUN!

(I'll catch up on my e-mails later today or tomorrow!!!)

Ten on Tuesday...

2009-04-07T16:28:00.004-05:00

10 Least Liked Foods

1) Green Peas - I can't stand green peas. I remember getting into trouble in the third grade - Miss Smith (lordy, she was older than dirt) sent me to the office because I wouldn't eat my "greeny greens"!

2) Exotic foods - you know like chocolate covered spiders, goat, etc. - I mean I don't think I would be rude and offend anyone if I were traveling in some strange land and they invited me to dinner. But the chances of that are slim to none!

3) Spicy Buffalo Wings or anything really spicy or curried food. My tummy can't take it.

4) Bread and Butter or Sweet Pickles - I only eat Dill Pickles!

5) Eggplant - the thought makes me think of when I was little and my grandmother used to make it - she would fry it and we would eat it with maple syrup on top. I might could eat it that way - but any other way - NAH...

6) Okra - never, never, never. I feel really safe in saying that I will NEVER eat okra.

7) Raw onion - I can't eat raw onion - but, if it is cooked I can handle it!!! Isn't that weird?

8) Lima Beans - oh - no! And, when they ruin my corn by putting lima beans in it - then I get really upset.

9) Feta Cheese - Don't care for the taste of it.

10) Tofu - I have to be honest and say that I have tried it - and I don't like it. It was part of several meals in Hawaii. Then I went on a writers retreat with a group of vegetarians and if I wanted to eat - there was tofu...seven days of that and I was over tofu!

You can play here!

The Simple Woman's Daybook...

2009-04-06T14:47:00.007-05:00

FOR TODAY April 6, 2009

Outside my window...raining. It has been raining all day and the wind is brutal. It's not a very pretty day.

I am thinking... how wonderful it is to be with like-minded people. I so enjoyed my week-end with people who knit and spin...

I am thankful for... family and friends. It was good to hear from my daughter today. And, it felt wonderful knowing I could go away for a week-end and my cat would be well taken care of by my friends.

From the kitchen... Tonight's dinner will be black tipped shark steak broiled with lemon, salt and pepper, some small baked potatoes, and some sort of veggie...probably corn.

I am wearing... turquoise sweat pants, a tee shirt and no shoes or socks. The pants are warm and take the chill off.

I am creating... a quilt - still working on the challenge quilt. But, am also knitting some nice socks.

I am going... to accept that my mother is really happy at the nursing home. It has been difficult with her not recognizing me. The nurses say she is always happy and smiling and even though she doesn't recognize them by name she still enjoys being with those who care for her

I am reading... All the Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison. It is a murder mystery and pretty good.

I am hoping...that this rain does not cause any flooding in our area. The last several years have brought floods in which people lost homes and lives...and it always seems to be in April or early May.

I am hearing... the refrigerator running...other than that it is absolutely quiet here.

Around the house... plan to hang a bunch of photos and pictures this week. I am trying to make my home more of a home.

One of my favorite things... is going for a short walk each day. Can't wait for nicer weather so that I can enjoy all of it.

A few plans for the rest of the week: paying bills, catching up on my filing, and giving the house a nice spring cleaning...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Some lovely flowers on my dining room table. I love fresh flowers - so, I usually treat myself at the grocery store.

This is a tablecloth I embroidered a long time ago. It has been sitting in a box with my linens - along with a couple other table clothes that I have done. I think it is time to use them!

You can read other entries or join us here

Great Week-end...

2009-04-05T19:12:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful week-end.

It began Friday at 3:00 PM and ended today at 2:30! Nothing but knitting, spinning, and consuming some of the best food.

But, I'll tell you all about it soon...right now I need to get some stuff done around here...

See you tomorrow...

Knitting Day...

2009-04-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the day a group of my knitting friends are getting together just to sit and either knit or spin. Since I don't spin - I'll be doing a lot of knitting (I hope).

There are several unfinished items in my knitting basket and I hope to have photos of them finished...

1) The Elizabeth Zimmerman BSJ - that has been languishing in my knitting basket for a couple of years. And, I do need to finish it as I know someone who will need it soon.

2) Two pairs of socks - both have one sock finished and the other still on needles - time to get them done...

Always seem to enjoy being with others and tend to work on my projects...so, maybe I'll have a productive day today!!!

Friday Fill-ins...

2009-04-03T08:11:00.005-05:00

1. Angel or not, I will have a hard time believing you exist.

2. Bend me, Shape me any way you want me. Boy, that song popped into my mind!

3. As my mother used to say, you're full of it. Never quite sure whether that was a compliment or not.

4. I feel really good about myself after I'm done working out or doing something strenuous.

5. Even in the most crowded of rooms I can feel totally alone.

6. I never feel as if any day is a day fraught with peril.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having dinner with friends, tomorrow my plans include spending some time with friends knitting and Sunday, I want to relax and enjoy a good book!

You can play here!

She's Still Sewing...

2009-04-02T18:01:00.002-05:00

Killian, here...

She's still sewing! Plus today she went over to Scarlett and Elizabeth's to teach Scarlett how to make her "special" rice pudding.

Plus she's been reading a lot at night - Know she finished a book by Sandra Brown last night. It was Tempest in Eden. She said it was good. Know she got some books from the library yesterday - but, can't remember what they were.

She was really sad yesterday. Seems Grammy told her that she didn't know who she was and treated her like a total stranger. I think it is really hard on Mommy when Granny slips away like that. I tried to make it all better - and was next to her all night while she slept.

Well, later - ya'll...

Mom's Sewing...

2009-04-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Killian here,

Bet you're glad to see me!

She left this morning to go and see Grandma...and then told me that she was going to be busy sewing for the rest of the day once she got back home.

The white humming thing was going a lot last night and I guess I'll have to listen to it again this afternoon. Darn, keeps me from getting to the window.

Oh, I found this neat photo on the Internet - think Mom would be made if I tried this? Just asking!

Ten on Tuesday...

2009-03-31T06:00:00.004-05:00

Ten Things on Your To Do List

1) Finish my challenge quilt. Needs to be done by April 16th...

2) Finish Socks that I am knitting for Scarlett. They are a real pretty dark brown - but, am finding the pattern boring.

3) Finish the Socks that I am knitting for Colleen. Love this pattern! I could knit it a zillion times and not be bored.

4) Make Hand warmers for myself - everyone I know has a pair but me...

5) Get my address book in order. I have addresses on pieces of paper - it's crazy!

6) Organize my kitchen cupboards. I just need to put pasta with pasta - and organize so I know what I have in there.

7) Clean off my desk - it is a mess. I have forgotten the open mail, deal with it, or throw it out rule! And, I need to get back to it.

8) Get the filing done! It nothing else, take an hour a day and get it done!

9) Vacuum the house. It's not like my house is dirty - because it isn't...but, I just forget to vacuum everyday...

10) Start walking everyday! I walked a couple of days last week when the weather was really nice and I just enjoyed it so much!!!

You can play here!

The Simple Woman's Daybook...

2009-03-30T12:11:00.010-05:00

FOR TODAY March 30, 2009

Outside my window... the sky is very gray and it is raining. There isn't much light coming in my big living room window. But, I noticed that the trees outside have these neat drops of water just hanging on them. It was so pretty.

I am thinking... that I want to cut back on some of the quilting groups that I attend and make the ones I do more meaningful.

I am thankful for... the fact that I am feeling much, much better. I don't think I want to go through that again.

From the kitchen... Today is the last day of mushing the ingredients before baking the Amish Friendship Bread. I know it will be really good.

I am wearing... a purple top, blue lounge pants with moons and stars on them, and pink socks.

I am creating... my challenge quilt. The fabrics are so pretty!

I am going... to pay a couple of bills and write some thank you notes today.

I am reading... Dewey - The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter.

I am hoping... for a nice week-end. Want to go be with friends and spend some time knitting.

I am hearing... The Grateful Dead singing on The View. I was never a fan of theirs. But, then I wasn't a real fan of the Beatles until I was older...

Around the house... the floors still need vacuuming and there are quite a few pictures that need to be hung on the walls.

One of my favorite things... is the rice pudding in my refrigerator. It tastes so good!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Since the 1st of the month falls on Wednesday, I need to pay my monthly bills; bake the Amish Friendship bread, re-arrange the freezer, and getting my knitting together for Saturday so I can get help with one of my patterns.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
This is a friend of mine's cat - his name is Murderface...and for some reason he just has wormed his way into my heart just from the blog posts his mom posts and the great photos she takes of him.

To read more daybook entries or to participate, go here.

This is something new to me - but, it gives me a chance to reflect on things and to share a little more of myself with you. Let me know what you think...

My Corner of the World...

2009-03-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

My corner of the world has included teaching a quilt class at Four Pines Quilt Shop. This is the first time I've taught at a local quilt shop and it was such fun! I had four students! The class lasted three weeks and last night was the last night. Thought I'd give you a look at what was made:

Penny is still working on her quilt - she seems to think she wants a lap quilt - so she is working toward that goal. Her quilt will really be pretty when she is finished.

Kathy made two really pretty table runners. Loved her colors...

Elizabeth is a fairly new quilter and she made one of the prettiest wall hangings. She has just the spot for this and made it exactly to size. She will be binding it in a dark green.

Jodi made three table runners and they turned out so nice. The flowered fabric is just beautiful. She had finished with all three by the end of the second class.

I had a lot of fun with them and they seemed to enjoy the class. Maybe I can find something else I would like to teach in the future!!!

Imagine My Surprise...

2009-03-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've been reading Terri's Blog - Sew-Fantastic for a while now...I enjoy reading about the things she makes, the blogs she visits, and in general whatever she is talking about at that moment.

Well, imagine my Surprize (yes, that is an album title of a great collection of songs by Holly Near) when I wandered over to her blog to find out she was talking about me. Me, little ole me!

She awarded me her Loyal Commenter Award - she had some pretty nice things to say about me...why don't you pop on over and see - it would be here!

Terri, thank you - it really surprised me...

Then, my friend, Stephanie over at Jonquils and Ladybugs awarded me Lemonade Award. The award recognizes those bloggers that show gratitude and/or attitude.

I really enjoy Stephanie's blog too. She has the cutest little boy, Jackson, whom she blogs about sometimes - he just turned one!

Stephanie, Thank you so much!

Again, I was so surprised. I am supposed to pick some other bloggers to pass this award on to - but, you know me - I think all my blogging friends deserve the award...So, go for it...

Friday Fill-ins - #117...

2009-03-27T11:58:00.007-05:00

This week, I took the first sentence in 6 of my favorite books...you fill them in...with the right words or even better, ones of your own.

And...here we go!

1. "In a hole in the ground there lived the most adorable ground hog. I used to love watching him as I drove down my Tennessee house driveway. It was like he was there to wish me a good day at work!"

2. "We've all had bad experiences in our lives but that ain't no matter." We just need to put on our big girl pants and deal with it.

3. "After dark the rain began to fall again, and it really ticked me off cause I wanted to go for a nice walk in the coolness of the evening."

4. "There are treasures beyond measure that can be brought up from the hold of the Spanish galleon." Or at least that is what I have been told.

5. "There was a hand in the darkness, and it grabbed me so that I wouldn't land on my butt in the ice."

6. "Accidents ambush the unsuspecting, that is why we must always be on our guard."

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to working on my challenge quilt -since I am sure there is nothing but March Madness on the TV, tomorrow my plans include visiting an alpaca farm, having lunch out and picking up some cinnamon sticks at Ocean State and Sunday, I want to continue working on my quilt after I return from church!

Okay, Janet, I hope you posted the correct lines and the book title on your blog...

And, you can play here!

The rest of the week...

2009-03-26T14:44:00.002-05:00

I'm here to tell you that the rest of this week is going to be crazy!

Tomorrow being Friday, I intend to get up early and get some things done. Have a stack of paper work on my desk that needs to be taken care of...then I have a challenge quilt to get going on...and just in general want to get things done.

Need to vacuum the floor - it's been a few days and I have to say - I don't understand how it gets messy enough to have to vacuum when it is only Killian and I here. And, I don't even wear shoes in my house!

Saturday I am running away to see some alpacas, hit Ocean State Job Lots to get some spices as they are the cheapest, and have lunch out with my friend, Pat.

Sunday, I plan to chill! And, get some quilting done...

Everyone is fine - and yes, I am speaking to Killian today...

She's Mad...

2009-03-25T17:23:00.002-05:00

Killian here!

She's mad! I heard her tell someone on the phone that she was really P***ed off at me...

I don't understand why - she left me to go to the grocery store. So, I found the two blankies she washed yesterday! They were pretty high up on her make-up table bench - but, I reached them and when she got home she found me dragging them on the floor.

Oh, she wasn't happy! She snatched them away from me and put them up in the closet. She said they were her blankets and not mine.

Well, then - I found this really pretty sweater. It's red and really soft. It was on the same bench - so, I got it and was walking into the living room carrying it and she hit the ceiling!

Plus she said she still hasn't forgiven me for trying to bite her through the shower curtain yesterday when she was taking a shower.

I must be in real trouble - because she came home from the library with a book called "Is Your Cat Crazy? Solutions from the Casebook of a Cat Therapist".

I sure hope she let's me sleep in bed with her tonight - otherwise it's lonely without my mommy!

Ten on Tuesday...

2009-03-24T13:02:00.007-05:00

'10 Things You Like Doing on Vacation'

1) Sightseeing - love to do all the touristy things

2) Eat like the locals - love to go where the locals go for food

3) Go to farmer's markets

4) Eat breakfast everyday that I'm on vacation - I don't usually eat breakfast.

5) Visit museums and art galleries.

6) Treat myself to a massage or some spa like activity.

7) Treat myself to a luxury meal - you know the hot spot that is known for it's food! - In Quebec, it was the restaurant at the top of this building that rotated and you were able to see all of Quebec City. They charged an outrageous price for brunch!

8) Visit all the little shops, nooks and crannies, churches, libraries, and historical sites.

9) Buy either yarn or fabric as a souvenir

10) Take loads of photos!

Yes, I know it's all about the food...what can I say!

You can play here!

Prizes arrived...

2009-03-23T15:52:00.007-05:00

The fabric and pattern that I won from Sheree's Alchemy arrived. It is really pretty and the pattern is cool! Can't wait to work with this wild fabric!

This prize came from Garden Chick! The butterfly cookie cutter and the green fairy dust for the icing will be fun to use. Plus she sent the recipe too...YEA...Can you say cookies are coming up soon!

My Corner of The World...

2009-03-22T14:53:00.004-05:00

My corner of the world includes belonging to The Congress of Claremont Senior Citizens. I just joined in January. It is a nice group of folks and each month on the first Friday around 1:00 we meet.

The first time I went to the meeting the program was presented by one of the local bird groups who showed photos of the different birds that winter here in New Hampshire. It was actually rather interesting...learned what to feed them and how to recognize them. I'm not really a bird person - other than I truly enjoy hearing them sing - but people here in New England seems to be able to identify all these birds by sight and sound.

February's meeting was a fun time - we were treated to a concert of really good country music by this group named Ted Sterns and the String-Alongs. Ted is the third guy in the photo. There was even dancing...one of the fellows who attends the meetings loves to dance and he kept asking all the ladies to dance. (Actually his wife was encouraging him to ask everyone!)

It was kind of funny cause the boys in band brought their wives...who sat in one corner of the room together.

I had to laugh to myself cause it reminded me of when I was in my 20s and working in night clubs - and the wives of the boys in the band would show up to protect their interests...

The meeting always ends with a four drawings for $25.00 each - I haven't won that - but, I am enjoying getting out and having a little culture or just fun with this group.

Taxes are done...

2009-03-21T19:07:00.002-05:00

Good day getting the taxes done! I had been the one who always did the taxes for us - and this year I showed Scarlett how to get them done. It went fast with two of us working on them - but, she did the actual work and input into the program.

Everyone is getting a little money back...and it's done way before the deadline...

Now I'm off to read a good book...

Friday Fill-in #116...

2009-03-20T11:03:00.007-05:00

1. Why do we have to die? It just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

2. Taking my medicine on a daily basis and drinking juice are now habits.

3. I have to get my rear in gear and get my challenge quilt finished by April 16th!

4. I had never heard the phrase "wicked" and it has now become part of my vocabulary.

5. I'm running behind on my challenge quilt the way I always do. But, I seem to work best under pressure.

6. How was I to know that I would love living in New Hampshire so much.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with maybe a movie, tomorrow my plans include having breakfast out and helping Scarlett with her taxes and Sunday, I want to chill and either read or quilt - or maybe both!

Unfinished Project Exchange...

2009-03-19T13:18:00.004-05:00

Remember this? I posted about it over here. It was an unfinished project that I had grown to hate. Not that it wasn't a great project - it just had memories of a lot of doctor office visits with Mom...

Well, Angela over at Quilting on the Run decided to have an unfinished project exchange. And, I thought why not. It might be something that someone else would love. And, all the pieces are cut and most are ready to be made into the blocks...So it is wending it's way to Angela.

Besides this would be a wonderful way to expand my creativity - and find other ways to express it.

And, this is what I got...from Angela...

The embroidered blocks are really pretty - in a beautiful blue... She had already cut the strips (the dark blue) to make add to them to make them a block. The other fabrics are for backing and additional blocks.

I am thinking about several things for this - a small wall hanging for my sister - (who would love that bottom fabric...with maybe four of the blocks. Then some cushions for a couch or bed...

So, I hope Angela likes what I sent her - because I like what she sent me.

Dreary Wednesday...

2009-03-18T14:28:00.004-05:00

It is raining...and just plain dark today. No sunshine to warm my bones and no real light coming in my windows.

Then a friend of mine sent this YouTube and it made me smile!!! I think you will enjoy it...

Happy Birthday, Daddy...

2009-03-17T15:55:00.004-05:00

My father, George C. would have been 90 today had he lived. He passed away on August 16, 1970 at the age of 51 from complications from what is now called COPD.

I didn't know him very well. My parents divorced when I was seven...I think. I can remember that my mom packed us up and took us back to Puerto Rico, where I went to school at a Catholic school for a few months.

Then my grandmother (his mother) sent for us to come back to Tampa - and I remember my dad didn't live with us anymore. And, I was in the second grade.

When I was 20 I received a phone call asking for my father - and I was taken by surprise to know that he was living across town from us in Tampa. We tried to get to know each other - and I think we made our peace before he died.

It took me a long time to forgive him for never keeping in touch with us or for living in the same town for so long and never looking for us.

That is a photo of the painting I have of him - not sure how old he was in it - but, that is pretty much how I remember him.

I never get through St. Patrick's Day without thinking of my dad...

Monday, Monday...

2009-03-16T13:38:00.002-05:00

It's been a quiet day spent napping, watching a little tv, and getting my house in order again. I need to do laundry but that will wait until tomorrow.

My kitchen is clean and I feel relaxed. Dinner tonight will be leftovers from Saturday. I'll be heating some tempura in my oven in a tinfoil boat the way Dave taught me.

I've discovered a taste for juice - go figure! But, I found some that I honestly like and have been drinking a lot of it as opposed to Pepsi (which has always been my drink of choice). Langer's is the brand I've discovered...and they have some rather neat flavors.

A couple of people asked what the book was that I bought ... it was "14" by J. T. Ellison. I read her book "Judas Kiss" and enjoyed it - so went in search of her two previous books. I have both - so, it will be fun to read them. Think it would be considered Suspense...

The weather is Beautiful!!! I almost went for a walk but, wasn't too sure I was ready for that. Want to make sure I can actually accomplish that before I strike out on a long walk. By next week - I should be up for it.

So, that's about it for me...what have you been doing today????

Nice Sunday...

2009-03-15T21:09:00.003-05:00

Had a really nice day today...

Got to see several of my friends at church. It was great to see Chris and see her baby bump - It is always exciting when a new little one is on the way!

After church I went over to another friend's house for dinner. She made this wonderful home made Chicken Pot Pie. She and her family make me feel most welcome and I so enjoyed my day with them. We had salad, pumpkin bread and brownies for dessert. Lots of conversation, good food, good friends, and we watched Mama Mia and sang along. (Isn't that what you're supposed to do?)

Came home in time to relax for an hour before watching The Amazing Race and Cold Case - now it's off to bed.

Happy Shopping...

2009-03-14T19:06:00.002-05:00

My friend, Pat and I went up to Lebanon, NH today. While she was getting her taxes done - I sat and knit. Then off we went...

First Stop: Kohls - They were having a sale on kitchen items and I was in the market for a skillet. Ended up getting a set of skillets that were on sale for $24.00 instead of the $52.00 they normally were. New can opener was on sale for 25% off - and it is a Kitchen Aid. And, found a really nice sweater that was regularly $56.00 on sale for $10.80.

Second Stop: Encore Bookstore - This is Pat's favorite bookstore. She could spend hours there - but, only spent a little while today. She left with 5 or 6 books and I left with one.

Third Stop: Dinner - at the Japanese Steakhouse. I had a salmon Sushi roll for an appetizer; Tempura for dinner which consisted of 5 skewers shrimp, 2 skewers of chicken, and a ton of fresh veggies. It was so good.

Fourth Stop: Grocery Store - to pick up three items...and then home...

I'm a little tired...cause I was out about 6 hours...so, I'm going to chill the rest of tonight...and read that new book.

Friday Fill-ins #115

2009-03-13T16:18:00.003-05:00

1. When I look to the left, I see my kitchen and one of my beautiful quilts on the hall wall.

2. My living room is the room that has the best view in my home. It has a large picture window and I can see down the road and the gorgeous sunsets.

3. Let it work out by itself - we really have no control over it.

4. Nothing much is done dirt cheap!

5. Participating in our government by voting and voicing our opinions is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any questions feel free to ask me.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing up a wonderful book - The Jim and Dan Stories: A Journey of Grief and Faith by Colleen Redman, tomorrow my plans include going grocery shopping and to lunch with a friend and Sunday, I want to have dinner at another friend's house!

Randomness...

2009-03-12T13:18:00.003-05:00

1) I'm feeling better...not great, but better. The medication has done its job and now I just need to make sure I still rest and not RUSH running around.

2) Finishing up and packaging the OWOH gifts - of course, being the over-achiever that I am - I thought I would give one gift for every 25 people who signed up...and ended up having to knit three more.

3) My quilt guild in Cornish regularly makes comfort quilts. We are known for our beautiful star pattern. The guild presented Scarlett with a beautiful quilt in hopes that it will comfort her during this trying time of her mother's passing.

4) The quilts are a group effort - we each make these star blocks throughout the year. When we have enough blocks, one of us will take and make the quilt top. After Colleen quilts it - we will sit around at the meeting and put the binding on. These quilts have gone to many people who have suffered from long term illness or deaths in their families.

5) Killian has been a good boy still ... and is hanging around making sure I don't do too much. He did have a touch of a tummy thing the other night - but, is fine now.

Well, that's about it for now...haven't been quilting any - not a lot of energy to sit at the machine...but hopefully this week-end.

Winner...

2009-03-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

Winner...Chicken Dinner! I've always thought that was such a funny saying...

But, I am a winner...I won this:

from over at Sheree's Alchemy! Cool, huh? It is on the way to me as we speak...

Thanks so much!!!

Ten on Tuesday...

2009-03-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

Ten Things You Won't Miss About Winter

1.) Power Outages

2.) Dreary gray days

3.) Weather Delays

4.) Icy Roads

5.) The sound of plow trucks in the middle of the night.

6.) Clearing the snow off the car - don't they make something that does that automatically???

7.) No farmer's markets - I love fresh veggies and love to buy them the day they are picked.

8.) That there is no green or fresh flowers other than at the grocery or florist.

9.) Dreary grey days - I know I already said that - but, it deserves being said again.

10.) Not being able to open the windows and clear the air

You can play here!

Swaps...

2009-03-09T13:15:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since I participated in a fat quarter swap...probably well over a year. But, the Sew Mama Sew blog has been such fun and I have learned so many things there that when she said she was having a fat quarter swap I couldn't resist.

There were 450 participants - from all over the world - it was such fun...these are the fabrics I received from Sara, Sarah, Stephanie and Sheila.

Does anyone notice that my new favorite color "turquoise" is featured - and they had no idea I like that color.

Update: Today I am feeling much better. Since we woke up to 5 inches of snow - and it is still snowing - my doctor told me not to come in unless I begin to feel worse. She thinks I am on the mend! YEA. But, I am still taking this entire week to build up my strength...

Rainbow Bridge...

2009-03-08T13:15:00.004-05:00

Phoebe

October 1996 - March 6, 2009

My little friend, Phoebe crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Friday. Phobe brought a tremendous amount of joy and love to all who knew her.

Her mommies, Scarlett and Elizabeth will miss her very much.

Update...

2009-03-07T13:27:00.002-05:00

No great shakes here yet! This is the last day of the z-pac. And, there is another trip to the doctor on Monday. And, today is the first day I have felt hungry - since last Saturday!

Can't thank all of you enough for the sweet, warm, and caring e-mails, notes, and cards. I have read each and every e-mail more than once...they do bring a smile. So, please accept this note as a reply...and I won't get a guilt trip for not anwering everyone individually.

Have a nice week-end...

Friday Fill-in #114...

2009-03-06T13:49:00.002-05:00

1. Paying the toll for the person behind me was my last random act of kindness.

2. Another place I want to visit is Barcelona, Spain.

3. All or nothing is fair in matters of the heart.

4. Coffee, tea or juice - it used to be Pepsi - but, the doctor is making me drink lots of juice.

5. Sometimes relationships take separate paths.

6. Our weather reminds me that there is always something interesting happening in New England.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knitting a little and maybe watching a little TV, tomorrow my plans include really chillin' with a good book, some knitting, and maybe a bit of DVD watching and Sunday, I want to be a repeat of Saturday - only with getting better each day!

You can play here!

Ten on Tuesday on Wednesday...

2009-03-04T14:41:00.005-05:00

Ten Ways You Can Make Your Life Better

(Well, this couldn't have come up at a better time...duh! Started the Z-pac last night. Slept the entire night through (what a blessing that was). A quilting friend brought me some wonderful homemade turkey soup made with veggies from her garden.)

1) Get rid of this pneumonia...take the next two weeks to care for and rest my body!

2) Now that it is getting to be spring - begin a walking plan. It will make me feel better and give that "happy" feeling.

3) Begin an exercise class at the Senior Center. They have a class on Tuesday and Thursday for an hour. The cost to join the Senior Center is $15.00 for the year. That's a pretty inexpensive exercise class.

4) Eat better! I do a very good job of eating healthy food - but, there is always room for improvement.

5) Watch my snacking - and there I am also fairly good. Not a big chocolate eater - so, I will eat either one handful of M&Ms or 1 Dove or Bliss square a day. But, I do like salty stuff - pretzels, blue corn chips, hummus, popcorn, and Fritos! Cookies - love ginger and lemon snaps!

6) Turn off the tv at night - Tape the shows I like and watch them when I want to.

7) Read more. I love to read...so, I want to do more.

8) Listen to relaxation CDs every night before I go to sleep.

9) Quit watching the NEWS!

10) Practice thinking of others and doing Random Acts of Kindness as often as I can.

Home From Doctor...

2009-03-03T14:19:00.002-05:00

I'm home from the doctor...and I'll be home for quite a few days. While I was there we did a breathing treatment, which made me feel a little better - but not much. She sent me home with instructions to take my regular meds, do a breathing treatment twice a day, and a z-pac which is being filled at the pharmacy as we speak.

The culprit is a bit of pneumonia in my right lung...and we don't want it to get worse. Of course, we need to combine that with a sinus infection and bronchitis. Have to return to the doctor on Thursday to make sure it is clearing...and if I get worse - I'm supposed to call her.

No activities or leaving my home (preferably bed) at all until at least Monday with the one exception of the doctor's visit.

Later...

Long Enough...

2009-03-02T15:48:00.002-05:00

It's gone on long enough - going to the doctor tomorrow...

Yesterday, I felt a little better. Not great - but, seemed to have enough energy to cook some eggs and wash my dishes.

Today, not so hot. The fever is back and so are the chills - so, it is time to do something about this. Made my appointment - and snow or no snow, I am going to the doctor...

Now, I'm going to settle into my big recliner, cover up with a blankie, grab my knitting, and watch tv...

My Corner of The World...

2009-03-01T13:41:00.007-05:00

Last month the Northern Lights Quilt Guild in Lebanon, New Hampshire had Deb Tucker as a teacher and lecturer.

Some friends and I went to see her trunk show of miniature quilts and hear her speak about making miniature quilts. She was very interesting and funny.

The above quilt is one that she teaches - a sampler if you will - don't you just love that wild border fabric?

I have always wanted to venture into the world of miniature quilts - and was amazed at the beauty of both of these quilts. The Santas were just fabulous...but, that little windmill type was beautiful and gained a spot in my heart.

Another beautiful little quilt - love the turquoise and purple! Two of my favorite colors.

Seven miniature quilts all done by Deb - Are they not totally amazing!!!

And, this is Deb Tucker - she is holding my favorite little miniature quilt of the entire show. Can you believe it???

Note: I am still not feeling all that well - can't seem to get rid of the horrible sore throat. Am trying to keep fluids in me by drinking all the time...Hopefully, I will be better tomorrow. Killian continues to keep me company - and this morning I awoke to him rubbing my face with his little paw. It was the sweetest thing...

Will get my e-mails answered as soon as I can...probably by Tuesday...

She'Sick...

2009-02-28T14:39:00.002-05:00

Killian, here...

She woke me up last night cause she had the shivers, felt awful hot, was coughing, sneezing, had a sore throat, and said her head hurt.

I tried my best to make her feel better - I even licked her hands...and rubbed my head against her leg - but, it didn't do much good.

Right now she is trying to drink some orange juice and just be still...I hope she's better by tomorrow. I don't like it when my mommy is sick.

She wanted me to post a photo for Pat - said to tell her this was one of the sleeves...she'll post the rest later on...

Friday Fill-Ins...#113...

2009-02-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

1. I'm fun to be with, I'm caring and loving, I'm a really good friend.

2. Why do I have so much creativity and not oodles of money?

3. How does this living alone thing work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put my medicines out on my desk in front of the computer so that I remember to take them.

5. I consider myself lucky because I am happy and content with my life.

6. One day we’ll see people who differ from each other because of sexual orientation be equal and able to have the same benefits as everyone else. And, hate crimes will be a thing of the past.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having had lunch with a friend and spending time working on my class project, tomorrow my plans include taking the second part of my quilting class and Sunday, I want to spend the day with Mom if the weather permits - if not it will be Monday!

Double Duty...

2009-02-26T15:54:00.004-05:00

Check out this fabric!

I fell in love with the flowery fabric in the back - enough that I decided to send a fat quarter of it to each of the people whose name I drew in the Sew Mama Sew Fat Quarter Swap. In addition, the fabric in the front matches so beautifully that a fat eighth of it will be going along too.

But, the best part is that my project from class will need a lining and since it will be reversible - I am using that wonderful flowery fabric...with the other fabric for the binding! Oh, it is going to be beautiful!!!

Projects...

2009-02-25T17:29:00.005-05:00

Been working on these back scrubbers for the OWOH giveaway. They should be done by this week-end. Tried to have them done last week-end but then with all the things going on with Scarlett - I didn't have time to finish them.

Have also been working on a special class project where the final class will be this Saturday - and I hope to post photos tomorrow. (Pat, just for you!!!)

So, Scarlett left today...after we spent last night making two music cds - one to be played at the chapel service...and the other at Helen's celebration of life.

Now, I'm off to have dinner - cooking myself some really good blueberry pancakes...with lovely fresh blueberries...

Ten On Tuesday...

2009-02-24T15:56:00.008-05:00

Ten Favorite Ethnic Foods

1) Cuban and Puerto Rican food - it is my favorite food...it is the food I grew up on! (with a little Pennsylvania Dutch thrown in for good measure).

2) Sushi - to me Sushi is an ethnic food all to it's self. It is also an artform.

3) Southern BBQ - There is nothing better - nothing better - than BBQ cooked in a pit or huge brick pits. There was a place in Tampa - I'll never forget it - and I'd go there tomorrow - Called Alabama John's BBQ. He was the nicest Black preacher man - and he and his family ran this BBQ place...melt in your mouth ribs! When I was pregnant and I couldn't get out for lunch where I worked - I'd call in an order and he would deliver it to me. (and, they didn't do delivery) - but that's how often I ate there.

4) Amish/Mennonite foods - simple homemade goodness.

5) New England has distinct regional foods. There are a lot of flavors mixed in New England foods.

6) French food -not in the least bit skilled at cooking it...but, used to go to a restaurant when I lived in Tampa that catered to folks who loved French food.

7) Italian food - although I tend to eat more white sauces than red. Am a big fan of the food Mario Batalli cooks.

8) Chinese - I've always loved Chinese food...

9) Greek or Mediterranean foods - not all of it - but a lot of it! Living close to Tarpon Springs, Florida and having many Greek friends - I learned to enjoy their foods and culture.

10) American Meat and Potatoes type food...plain, hearty, stick-to-your-bones food! I don't know if there is a name for that ... but that's what it is.

New Project...

2009-02-23T18:03:00.002-05:00

Can't believe how much I am loving this new project that we had the class for! Work will continue tomorrow and by then there should be more than enough to show photos...

Today was spent sorting, making prints, making cds, and DVDs of photos of Helen's life. Scarlett and I managed to scan 90 photos on a cd. From that and her thumb card we printed 129 photos...once we scanned them we made a cd so she doesn't have to do that again. Then we made two DVDs of 60 of the photos. We picked the song - "on the road again" by Willie Nelson...she really loved that song and it described her life. The DVD will be shown at the "celebration of her life".

It was nice getting to work on it and see the finished product as I will not be going down to Florida.

Well, gotta run - it is almost time for quilt guild meeting...

Taking today off...

2009-02-22T12:27:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all of you for your kind messages and e-mails. I am doing okay. And, Scarlett is on her way home. Actually she is in Boston as we speak waiting for the Dartmouth Coach that will get her home...hopefully before the snow storm.

The funeral will be next Saturday in Florida...

Today, I am just going to chill and work on my class project...and next Sunday, I'll resume My Corner of the World...with a trip to see Deb Tucker and her miniature quilts.

Scarlett...

2009-02-21T18:07:00.002-05:00

Scarlett's mother, Helen, passed away at 3:15 a.m. this morning, February 21, 2009.

Scarlett, her family, and those of us who loved Helen are doing as well as can be expected. Funeral services will be in Florida next Saturday.

Cornish Hen Party...

2009-02-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

For the last couple of years my quilt guild in Cornish hosts the Cornish Hen Party. The party is always the first Sunday in June in the early afternoon. Everyone brings a covered dish, their own placemat, napkin, plate, silverware, and glass. We mix and get to know each other - and at the end of the dinner we introduce ourselves and talk about our interests.

The interesting part of the Hen Party is that it is only women - no roosters or chicks allowed. (except for nursing babies)

Last year we made a quilt - that was given away to one of the attendees. Each person gets a ticket and if one wishes more chances we sell them at one for $1 or 6 for $5. Last year's quilt was a HUGE success. Everyone wanted to win it. So we decided to use the money to buy the fabric for this year's quilt. Each of the guild members makes a block...

Here is the block I made:

All the fabric is the same as is the pattern. We love this pattern and make all of our charity quilts using it.

Friday Fill-Ins #112...

2009-02-20T12:17:00.004-05:00

1. Give me scraps of fabric and I'll make a beautiful quilt.

2. Whenever I think of Florida, I think about all the good restaurants that were there.

3. I wish I were having a breaded steak sandwich on hot Cuban bread. Somehow this is all about food...must be hungry.

4. Baked Steelhead trout with fresh grilled asparagus and boiled red potatoes was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world one should appreciate the beauty surrounding us.

6. Other than this one, Not-So-Plain Jane is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a little television and knitting, tomorrow my plans include going to a quilting class and Sunday, I want to finish up the quilting class!

You can play here

On a serious note: Please hold Scarlett in your thoughts - she is on her way to Asheville, NC. Her mother was in surgery for 4-1/2 hours this morning as she "threw a blood clot and it was at the base of her aorta". She is in her late 70s early 80s (can't remember) and is currently in critical condition.

Getting Ready...

2009-02-19T14:28:00.004-05:00

No, not for spring...although I hope it isn't too far away. We had snow last night but not enough to complain about or brag about.

No, I'm getting ready for a class that I'm taking this week-end...so, I will be busy cutting fabric.

Yesterday's post talked about a song that I truly feel describes me - yet most of the folks who commented didn't know the song...so here it is.

This is me...Musically...

2009-02-18T15:33:00.005-05:00

Yesterday's theme really got me thinking. There had to be one song that really spoke about my life...and this one has to be it...I really relate to this song - a lot!

80's Ladies - by K. T. Oslin

We were three little girls from school.
One was pretty, one was smart
And one was a borderline fool.
Well she's still good lookin'
That woman hadn't slipped a bit.
The smart one used her head
She made her fortune.
And me, I cross the border every chance I get.

We were the girls of the 50's.
Stoned rock and rollers in the 60's.
And more than our names got changed
As the 70's slipped on by.
Now we're 80's ladies.
There ain't been much these ladies ain't tried.

We've been educated.
We got liberated.
And had complicating matters with men.
Oh, we've said "I do"
And we've signed "I don't"
And we've sworn we'd never do that again.
Oh, we burned our bras,
And we burned our dinners
And we burned our candles at both ends.
And we've had some children
Who look just like the way we did back then.

Oh, but we're all grown up now.
All grown up,
But none of us could tell you quite how.

We were the girls of the 50's.
Stoned rock and rollers in the 60's.
Hunny, more than our names got changed,
As the 70's slipped on by.
Now we're 80's ladies.
There ain't been much these ladies ain't tried.

A- my name is Alice.
I'm gonna marry Artie.
We're gonna sell apples
And live in Arkansas.

B- my name is Betty.
I'm gonna marry Bobby.
We're gonna sell beans
And live in Brazil.

C- my name is Connie.
I'm gonna marry Charlie.
We're gonna sell cars
And live in California.

Ten On Tuesday...

2009-02-17T16:14:00.005-05:00

Ten Songs That Describe You Or Your Life

1) Baby, It's Cold Outside - Has to describe my birth as my mom's cab was stuck in a snow storm on the way to the hospital.

2) Born to be Wild - I'm sure my mother and grandmother thought that when I was a teenager...Elvis, the Beatles, The Stones...

3) Imagine - Always have been a dreamer and imagined that I could do anything I set my mind to - and I have.

4) I Wanna Hold Your Hand - describes how I felt when I saw my baby girl for the first time - I just wanted that little tiny hand in mine to hold on to forever.

5) Morning by Edvard Greig - speaks to my love of classical music...

6) Friends in Low Places - shows the fun side of me...

7) Somebody To Love - and it took me until I was almost 50 to find that person unfortunately we were only together for 11 years before we both moved on.

8) Picture - reminds me of my mother. As soon as she would hear the opening bars to this - she would say "That's the Picture song" - and sometimes when we were driving - she'd ask for me to play it. Go figure, my 92 year old mother likes Kid Rock!

9) Red Neck Woman - I can be - Seems I can fit into most situations - mainly because I treat people the same - whether they are rich or poor. I really don't care - it is the person that matters.

10) Winter Wonderland - describes my life in New Hampshire...

Quilt Guild Night...

2009-02-17T15:51:00.003-05:00

Tonight on of my quilt guilds is meeting - so, I am trying to get organized since guess who is doing the program!

Just don't feel organized at all - and it didn't help that the sinus headache from hell hit me this morning and caused me a few hours of torture! But, I am feeling better and ready to head off.

Also, have to find a large sweat shirt! Taking a class this week-end on making a quilted jacket using the sweat shirt as the pattern. Stopped at Walmart and they did not have any - so, I may head up to K-Mart on my way to quilt guild...and just might treat myself to dinner somewhere along the way...

Have a good Tuesday...

Busy...Quilting...

2009-02-16T12:22:00.005-05:00

Quilting has taken up some time this past week - and it has been such fun to get back into it. Since I received my new sewing machine a few years ago - I've not used it to quilt a quilt. The piecing, borders, and bindings have been put on with the machine - but the actual quilting - NAH..

This month over at Sew Mama Sew they are offering a tutorial on machine quilting using a doll quilt to practice on.

So, this is my little quilt top - (it is on my carpet). Used some florals that I had in my stash - and it is cute..

Here I have it sandwiched - was rather proud that it is really smooth. But, I tend to use my iron a lot when piecing...each and every seam is pressed. Currently the little quilt is pinned and ready to be quilted.

This a shot of the backing that was used. It will probably be used for the binding too - or I might use the fabric from the border - haven't decided yet.

So, it is ready for the quilting step...which is this week! Promise to show you the finished product...

My Corner of the World...

2009-02-15T06:00:00.003-05:00

Today my corner of the world goes to California and to my friends...whose lives could change for no other reason than people just can't accept anyone that is different...how can that be in our great country?

Please open your minds and your hearts as you watch this video...

And, if you are so inclined, please go here and sign the petition.

Happy Valentine's Day...

2009-02-14T13:40:00.003-05:00

Yes, it is about love...

The other night I was blog jumping and ran across this photo and a newsclipping at a blog belonging to Bittersweet.

To see this fireman share his water with that sweet hurt little animal just speaks volumes about caring about others.

From Sydney, Australia AP writer, Kristen Gelineau:

"One furry survivor has emerged a star: a koala, nicknamed "Sam" by her rescuers, was found moving gingerly on scorched paws by a fire patrol on Sunday. Firefighter David Tree offered the animal a bottle of water, which she eagerly accepted, holding Tree's hand as he poured water into her mouth - a moment captured in a photograph seen around the world."

Friday Fill-In #111...

2009-02-13T11:54:00.002-05:00

1. It seems like spring is arriving early...but, then the weather could change instantly!

2. Would you loan me that book when you're done, please?

3. If I thought you wouldn't say I was wasting money or that you had to work and couldn't spend time with me I'd fly out to see you!

4. The happy times is what I think of most when I think of you.

5. To me, Valentine's Day means just another cash flow day for Hallmark!

6. Knowing myself and believing in myself gives me strength.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting started on somethings I need to get done (like mail), tomorrow my plans include going for a walk if the weather stays this nice and the ice on the sidewalks is gone and Sunday, I want to travel the world by watching six travel DVDs I checked out at the library!

You can play here!!!

OWOH Winners...

2009-02-12T11:23:00.010-05:00

A huge thank you to everyone who entered my OWOH giveaway.

This giveaway was a lot of fun for me. My little blog generated 171 comments! Two were posted twice - so, I only counted them as one each. I decided to give away one knit backscrubber for each 25 comments I had...so that gave me a total of 7!

I used this random generator thing...and these are the numbers it spit out.

True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

133
11
4
19
68
123
35
Timestamp: 2009-02-12 16:21:46 UTC

And, here are the winners along with their comments. E-mails are on the way...

133: At 10:27 PM, Stephanie said...
What a great giveaway! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks!Stephaniewww.luluscottage.blogspot.com#813 on the OWOH Caravanisastephanie @ yahoo.com

11: At 4:47 PM, Shelley said...
My back is starting to itch...I need that thing! Great giveaway! Thanks for participating!

4: At 3:50 PM, Smokeylady60 said...
very nice item Pleae add me to your list and if you would like pleasejoin mine I am number 303

19: At 7:09 PM, MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...
what a nice homemade item- please include me!

68: At 7:04 PM, Franny said...
Lovely giveaways! I would jump for joy to win something the day after my 20th anniversary!I have never been to this event before so after seeing so many presents, I became a participant!I am so amazed at the generosity. I am particularly moved by some of the comments that are so heartfelt.This has really inspired me to be more creative and to blog more. I have enjoyed meeting you and getting in touch with your blog.Come and visit me on Picklebeans!picklebeans@gmail.com

123: At 10:50 PM, Barbara Olivo Cagle said...
I would love to win your package of knits! Your site is so beautiful. I would love to win your prize. After this is all over I’m going to spend more time viewing every ones. Please stop at my site too. I’m giving away my new book “16 x MOM: A Mastery of Motherhood.” I will personally sign it for you.blog.http://blog.barbaracagle.com/2009/02/01/one-world-one-heart.aspx#AddCommentBarbara #830barbara@barbaracagle.com

35: At 11:59 AM, Jingle said...
This seems useful! Please include me!jinglesells at gmail dot com

MeMe - It's a Busy Day...

2009-02-11T06:00:00.003-05:00

Your Independence Level: Very High

You do things your own way. Even if everyone else thinks you're wrong.
You cherish your freedom, and you resent rules.
No one knows what's right for you as much as you do.
You can take care of yourself... and you do a mighty fine job of it.

How Independent Are You?

Ten on Tuesday...

2009-02-10T14:38:00.006-05:00

Ten Favorite Places To Shop

This week we had a choice on which we wanted to do - Since I don't watch Children's movies - I didn't feel qualified for that one...

(edited to say) - I have seen some childrens movies but at my age - I haven't seen any in a long, long while...I do have a favorite - The Lady and the Tramp)

But, I do shop...and here are my Ten Favorite Places to Shop!

1) Any quilt shop - they are all wonderful and have great things to offer.

2) Any yarn shop - they are all wonderful and have great things to offer.

3) Fiber or Sheep and Wool Festivals - it is such fun to meet the people who are so creative and who raise the animals that give us such lovely fiber.

4) Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma - could spend hours looking at all the cooking things...

5) Any bookstore - I've never been in a bookstore I didn't like.

6) Stonewall Kitchen - Love to go in there and find new and different food ingredients.

7) Land's End or L.L. Bean - Hey, I live in New England now - gotta have clothes that keep me warm.

8) Esty - I've actually found a few little shops that I love - most of them are herbal or aromatherapy shops - and make natural soaps, shampoos and makeup.

9) Oriental markets - I don't know what it is about Oriental markets - but, I love them. There was one in Tampa that I shopped at all the time...and whenever I go to a "big" city - I always go to their Chinatown.

10) Flea markets or Garage sales - they can make for a great day out...just browsing...

The birthday week-end...

2009-02-09T13:30:00.005-05:00

The week-end was just so much fun ... and I was able to spend it with friends! Whether my friends were here in person or blogging friends - each helped me celebrate my birthday with cards, notes, and good wishes!

Friday, the 6th was the big day - and my friend, Pat (who has no blog) took me out for a fun dinner. We went to Sophie and Zekes. They recently moved to a larger location ... and the restaurant is really nice.

I had a really good Reuben sandwich with the most delicious beer battered fresh onion rings. The breading on the onion rings just melted in your mouth. Pat enjoyed a lobster roll...and the lobster was so good and fresh...(I got a bite of the lobster!!!)

We had window seating - which can be a lot of fun. We have such a cute downtown.

Pat and I had the exact same dessert...it was a coconut mousse cake with chocolate icing and fresh whipped cream on the side. It was heaven on a plate. Pat and I had a wonderful evening - and even went shopping for boots for her. Thank you so much for making my birthday special, Pat.

Saturday, the 7th...I celebrated with Scarlett and Elizabeth. They gave me a little cart that I can use to bring packages from my parking lot to the apartment. I have complained and whined about wanting one for ~~ages~~ since I moved here.

Then we went to dinner at Lui Lui's. This is one of my most favorite restaurants. I ~~gorged myself~~ had a Penne, Broccoli, and Chicken Alfredo. It was delicious. Then for dessert plain New York Style Cheesecake.

Elizabeth made this beautiful woven yarn artwork for me. The photo does not do it justice! There was also candy - Russell Stover Toasted South Seas Coconut...

The mail brought a gift from my friend, Susan. Some really pretty black and white fabric (for the quilt I will make soon) - a cute Fons and Porter Pencil case with a marking pencil and in the secret compartment a pair of scissors. Also, love the black and white ribbon...

My friend, Ann, sent me a gift certificate to Amazon and I immediately went and purchased two books I have been wanting...Knitting Estonian Lace and Artic Lace...they are on the way...

This beautiful table center piece was given to me by my across-the-hall-neighbor. She was 90 on Saturday (the 7th) and she crocheted that. It is so really pretty...and stitched perfectly.

Then some friends of mine dropped by with a birthday cake and some really nice smelling shower gel! Their little boys sang "happy birthday" to me. It was so cute.

Thank you to everyone for making my special day so very special!!!!!

She's Enjoying Today...

2009-02-08T11:46:00.002-05:00

Killian, here!

She's relaxing today. Told me it is still part of her birthday week-end.

Know she went out last night with Scarlett and Elizabeth cause she told me dinner was just what she was craving. Something about penne, broccoli, and chicken Alfredo! (I don't know why anyone would eat broccoli - yuk!). But, anyway she brought some home for her dinner tonight - I'll pester her until she lets me taste the sauce.

Scarlett and Elizabeth gave her this weird looking black thing - and she seems really excited about it. She told me it is a shopping cart - something about putting the heavy groceries into it and getting them to the apartment from the parking lot without making a lot of trips. I wouldn't know - she won't let me outside to see where the parking lot is! (Or to chase that cute little squirrel I see from the window either!)

She also got some other gifts and I know she plans to talk about those tomorrow - probably with pictures. You know her and that camera!

Well, time for me to decorate the sofa for a while...Later

Friday Fill-In #110...on Saturday...

2009-02-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

1. Please don't tell anyone, but, I am craving rice pudding again!

2. Can you eat breakfast in the morning? I have to wait at least until lunch time to look eggs in the face!

3. The color yellow makes me want to pretend it is spring!

4. I have a craving for a delicious meal - which I know I will be having for my birthday.

5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it for about a week to enjoy my birthday longer.

6. Eyes are the windows of the soul!

7. And as for the weekend, Friday I'm looking forward to enjoying my birthday, Saturday my plans include enjoying my birthday even more and Sunday, I want to chill out!

You can play here!!!!

Birthday...

2009-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday...I'm 63! Hey, it's only a number! Doesn't bother me any!

Planning on having a late lunch today with my friend, Blogless Pat. We are going to a nice restaurant here in Claremont called Sophie and Zekes - they just moved into a new location and it looks like it is really nice. Heard they have really good food.

Then Saturday, I am going out with Scarlett and Elizabeth to Lui Lui's. It is an Italian restaurant in Lebanon, NH. It is one of my most favorite restaurants. They own three different restaurants and they are all fabulous.

Enjoy your week-end...

Bye...Bye...Quilt...

2009-02-05T17:36:00.006-05:00

At my "cottage meeting" for one of my quilt groups - I began working once again on a tumbling blocks quilt that I have been doing since I lived in Tennessee. I called it "Waiting Room Tumbling Blocks". I patiently cut paper patterns and basted the fabric - and had just started to put the quilt together that was worked on at all of mother's doctor's visits.

I'm not happy with it - It's not joining up right and I'm not sure how to fix it.

Still have plenty of all the fabrics - so, I could do it some other time - but this one just isn't impressing me.

So, I'm passing it on at one of my quilt guilds - as there are some folks who enjoy finishing other people's projects.

But, for me - it's Bye, Bye, Quilt!

This Week...

2009-02-04T11:48:00.003-05:00

This week seems to be getting away from me rather quickly. February seems to just fly by...

So, today is a day of playing catch up -

1) Need to pay the bills!

2) Need to begin working on the doll quilt from Sew Mama Sew. It is a quilt along! Even though I am great at piecing the quilt top - and I do hand quilt - I have never tried to machine quilt. So this sounded like a perfect way for me to begin. It is a small project!

2) Need to begin the Challenge quilt for my guild.

And, of course, there is laundry to do, dishes to wash, and dinner to make...

But, I want everything done so that come Friday - I can just chill and celebrate my BIRTHDAY!!

Later ...

Color my world...

2009-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Found this over at Janet's blog...and you know me - I had to go check it out.

My rainbow is:

Your rainbow is intensely shaded violet, red, and black.

What is says about you: You are a creative person. You appreciate mystery. You may meet people who are afraid of you. You get bored easily and want friends who will keep up with you.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

45 years ago...

2009-02-02T15:51:00.005-05:00

Was my graduation from high school. And, this year is our 45th reunion!

Hillsborough High School is still standing and looking the same as it did 45 years ago. The school is a beautiful red brick and sits on a large campus that is made up of several city blocks.

Dreams were made there and shattered there. I dreamt of being a Home Economics teacher - now I don't even think there is such a thing! Instead I worked most of my life as a Secretary/Administrative Assistant...and watched a few other dreams come true.

My dreams of a being a parent came true and resulted in a beautiful and loving daughter. My dreams of being published came true ... not only in magazines but books!

I have mixed emotions about attending the reunion. There are many memories of high school - some good - some bad! But, then I think that happens for everyone. The trick is to outgrow the hurts and become a "grown up" and a decent human being. I've done that!

And, since most of us are in our 60s now - my thoughts are that we have all grown up.

The "maybe" box has been checked - and I'm thinking it would be nice to see how the rest of us have survived.

My Corner of the World...

2009-02-01T16:55:00.004-05:00

My corner of the world leads back to my kitchen this week. And, to rice pudding!!!

Growing up one of my loves was rice pudding - and in my family there were two ways of making it! My grandmother (father's side) was from Pennsylvania - so her rice pudding was baked in the oven! It was dense and had a baked custard that came to the top. It was very good.

My mother's side of the family made rice pudding that was creamy and delicious. It was made on top of the stove. My mother just made it and there was no written recipe. She just knew how to do it - like instinct!

Since we lived in Tampa with all the Cuban and Puerto Rican restaurants around, my mother's style of rice pudding was the one we ate the most. (My mother was born in Puerto Rico)

Since Christmas I have been making my mother's type of rice pudding. No, unfortunately she did not give me the recipe...but, I received the recipe through a new cookbook that was given to me by Scarlett for Christmas.

The cookbook is called Estefan Kitchen: Authentic Cuban Recipes by Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Now I have to say - celebrity cookbooks usually aren't all they are cracked up to be - but this one - Oh, it is right on.

These are the foods that my mother cooked in our kitchen and the foods that I ate at every restaurant in Tampa, FL that had Hispanic food! This recipe book is like having my mother write down all her recipes!

So here is a bowl of my rice pudding - complete with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top! It felt like I was at my abuela's house (Spanish - for grandmother) in Aquadilla, Puerto Rico.

You can bet that I will be cooking a lot of things out of this cookbook!!!

So, what's happening in your corner of the world?

She's Busy...

2009-01-31T12:02:00.004-05:00

Killian here!

She's busy! Something about making name tags for a quilt guild and making some blocks. All I know is that she sits in front of the big window at this white machine thing that purrs really nicely.

Thought I'd brag today - Wanted you to know that I am really a great boy. Every evening when it is time for bed - Mom tells to to go get my blankie...

Here I am picking up my blankie.

Now I am carrying it to the bedroom - cause it is time for us to go to sleep. I think I am pretty smart!

Well, I am off to do what I do best - take a nap! (BTW) Mom is still concerned cause my fur hasn't grown back in totally from when I was sick)

Later!

Friday Fill-In #109...

2009-01-30T15:27:00.003-05:00

1. I'd really like to go to Bertucci's right now.

2. Damn is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is 9/10 of the law.

4. I'm not that wild about Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like ribs and BBQ????

6. One of my friends just goes on and on about everything.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching tv and knitting, tomorrow my plans include to make up some quilting blocks and name tags for my two quilt guilds and Sunday, I want to go see Mom if it isn't snowing!

You can play here!

Thursday...Thursday...

2009-01-29T16:36:00.004-05:00

Woke up at 7ish and by 7:30 I was out to get rid of the snow on my car. I realized a photo of the snow covered car would have been fun...but, forgot the camera until almost the end...I am guessing 18 inches of snow fell yesterday!!!

It was up to my knees!!! But it wasn't a heavy nasty snow...it was fluffy!

Came in - took a shower - and headed out to see mother. She actually was talkative today - and we discussed our neighbors (albeit - they were our neighbors in Florida); the dogs; and Killian. She also helped me pick out her food for the next week. So, it was a good day.

From there headed to a quilt shop that was on this road that went forever - and was just covered in snow...(they had plowed - but, I wasn't seeing any blacktop or dirt). It was a beautiful ride...and I picked up 14 fat quarters at $1.00 each and a couple of yards of fabric for $4.50/yard. She is discontinuing her quilt business but will be keeping her sheep and fiber...

So that was my day!!! How was yours???

Another Blogging Award...

2009-01-28T12:46:00.006-05:00

My friend, Barb, over at Bejeweled Quilts by Barb, awarded me this awesome award.

The deal is: I need to tell you 10 honest things about myself that most people don't know...
and list 5 addictions that I have...

10 Honest things:

1) I am one of five children...only two of us survived to adulthood...my sister, Mary Ellen and I.

2) I was thirty when I had my daughter...and was always the oldest homeroom mother or PTA person.

3) I have a great love for the culture I grew up in - my Spanish heritage is important to me.

4) What you see is what you get - and you always know where you stand with me.

5) Organization is really hard for me - but, once I get things organized they usually stay that way.

6) I will NOT drive in big cities! My preference is to walk or use public transportation.

7) At one time I was petrified of dogs...and the only dog I would go near was the one I owned. Now, I love dogs and my fears are not as bad...

8) Rarely do I have a drink - think it comes from years of working in a nightclub - and one New Year's Eve (about 40 years ago) when my best friend at time, Lola and I got smashed on Southern Comfort! It was bad!!!

9) I make my bed everyday ... not because someone will see it - but because I am worth having a pretty made up bed to get into each night.

10) Since I was twelve I have always had a cat or cats. Killian has lived the longest of any of my cats...he will be 13 this year!

5 Addictions

1) Pepsi and Root Beer - for sure!!!

2) My rice pudding - mainly because it is the rice pudding I grew up eating...

3) Reading - Love to read and want to hold the book in my hands...can't do audio books.

4) Food TV and Reality Shows (Amazing Race, Top Chef, Project Runway)

5) Taking photos...my camera is always with me.

Now this is the hard part - picking some others to bestow this award on...As always, if you want to participate - please do so! Just let me know in the comments so I can check your answers out.

A Blogging Award...

2009-01-27T09:57:00.002-05:00

My friend, Pat, over at A Little Of This and A Little of Pat presented me with this lovely award. I love the sentiment behind it! Thank you so much, Pat!

This, Pat believes, is a blogging award that originated in Portugal and this is what it says about the blogs who are given this award.....

"This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award."

I encourage all of my readers to grab this award for yourself - I'm not tagging anyone (supposed to tag 8) as is my sometimes habit...mainly because I think all of you deserve this award otherwise I wouldn't be reading your blog!

Swimming in Cotton...a bit of Alpaca, too...

2009-01-26T16:33:00.006-05:00

Friends are wonderful...and they surprise us with packages...My friend in Louisiana, Sarah, sent me a box full of yarns! She shared some that she had received from someone else.

Sarah, thank you so much - the yarns are gorgeous...and I am going to have the best time knitting with these...
Killian would also like to thank you for his present too - the box - the minute it was empty, he was in it. I quit spending money on toys for him...this is what he likes...

A little natural undyed Alpaca....

Crystal Palace - cotton...pink - very soft pink

A little blue Crystal Palace cotton!!!

Tahki Classic Cotton - really soft and pretty...

And this is some Bernat Cassino (a skein and a half) Cotton...

Unger - Cotton Crepe - eight skeins...I love Unger yarns!

A little turquoise Crystal Palace Cotton...lovely shade...

And, finally some Patons Cotton Top...soft, soft, soft...

I'm so excited - I enjoy knitting with cotton - especially for children and for myself...

Sarah, you are truly a gem!!!